Apparatus for Golf Swing Training and Methods Thereof

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and methods for golf swing training in order to improve a user&#39;s golf swing is disclosed in which a shaft or post is configured to be stabilized by locating an extension of the post into a receptacle, such as a trailer hitch on the back of a car or truck or a separate base unit. At the top of the shaft, a bar is pivotally connected to the shaft at an attachment point, while the other end of the bar is connected to a golf club, so that when a player practices swinging the club, the club remains in the correct position from the beginning to the end of the swinging motion.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/082,988 filed Nov. 21, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure pertains to an apparatus for practicing and training for proper golf swing techniques and the related methods for training or practicing a golf swing in order to improve a player's golf swing. In particular, the apparatus is a telescoping shaft or post that is configured to be placed on the ground and/or stabilized by locating an extension of the post into a receptacle, such as a trailer hitch on the back of a vehicle, such as a car, truck, trailer, golf cart, All-Terrain Vehicle, etc. The apparatus can also be attached to any other existing structure, such as a basketball pole, fence, etc., as long as the attachment to the structure stabilizes the apparatus when in use. Alternatively, the apparatus can be attached to a base unit configured to accept and secure the apparatus during use.

Alternatively, the golf swing training apparatus can be configured to be attached to a vehicle (as described above) but using straps and buckles, or some other attachment means, similar to a bicycle or canoe carrier, on back or top of a car, or a similar device.

At the top of the training apparatus shaft is a bar connected to the shaft using a pivoting mechanism point, and the other end of the bar is configured with an attachment device to connect to a golf club, so that when the player practices swinging the club, the club stays in the proper swing position from the beginning to the end of the swinging motion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is a popular sport played by participants with a wide range of abilities. One of the fundamental skills that separate accomplished golfers from the others involves the ability to properly swing a golf club in order to strike a golf ball solidly towards the target. In general, even if a mediocre golfer makes contact with the ball, the ball trajectory will usually deviate from the desired target by a severe curve to the left (hook) or a severe curve to the right (slice), based on a right-handed golfer.

By comparison, a good golfer will hit the golf ball substantially straight at a target, accounting for any natural draws (a gentle hook) or fades (a gentle slice). However, most golfers cannot regularly control their natural draw or fade. Depending on the appropriate situation, the accomplished golfer can generally hit the ball substantially straight, with a draw, a fade, a slice or a hook at will. However, even accomplished golfers struggle to maintain control over their swing.

As with many sports, practice makes perfect, and many golfers practice by swinging a club at real or imagined targets, hoping to stumble upon, and imprint into their muscle memory, a serviceable swing. Reality requires perfect practice to make perfect, and golfers need to determine whether a swing has been correctly executed before attempting to imprint that swing into their muscle memory. To assist in the process of determining and imprinting a proper swing, many golfers turn to golf instructors for help. However, instructors are expensive and not generally available at convenient times or locations. Moreover, once the lesson is over, many golfers resort back to their bad habits.

Therefore, it is not surprising that numerous devices that purport to improve a golf swing have been devised. Many of these devices are expensive, complex to use and/or require a lot of room or equipment in order to diagnose and correct the golfer's swing. Further, many devices are limited in the particular component of the golfer's swing that they can correct.

For example, the Dream Swing Golf Swing Plane Trainer is a device that allows a golfer to practice an on-plane swing. However, the device needs the assistance of a tripod extension, among other devices, to hold the trainer in place and depending on the strength of the swing, the device will move or be pushed from its location, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the device. Another device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,989 to Sutcliffe, is a golf instructional apparatus designed to teach a golfer to hit the ball straight and to correct a golfer's hook or slice. Unfortunately, a lot of room is needed to accommodate the mat and flexible panel, either as a stand-alone device or as attached to a wall, and the device cannot be easily moved to another location.

What is needed is a device and methods for providing a golfer with a systematic practice device that can be easily set up and not take up a lot of room, and in which a golfer can replicate the proper golf swing each time regardless of club, and that reduces or eliminates the chance that the apparatus or device will move while practicing the golf swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a golf swing trainer that includes an apparatus and methods for practicing a correct golf swing in order to improve a player's golf swing by allowing the player to repeat the correct swing multiple times using muscle memory. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a shaft or post that is configured with an extension to be placed into a receptacle, such as a trailer hitch on the back of a car or truck. The top of the shaft contains a pivot point that is connected to one end of a bar, with the other end of the bar being connected to a golf club. The bar connecting the post to the golf club may also be configured to vary or telescope in length. Once the device is connected to the receptacle, the user can hold and swing the golf club correctly in a repetitive motion.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is a shaft or post that is configured with an extension to be placed into a base unit. The base unit is configured with a receptacle, similar to a trailer hitch, accepts and supports the apparatus, so that the apparatus stays stationary during use. Similarly, the top of the shaft contains a pivot point that is connected to one end of a bar, with the other end of the bar being connected to a golf club.

In another alternative embodiment, the apparatus is a shaft or post that is configured to be placed on a single point on the ground and then stabilized with an extension of the post configured to be placed into a receptacle, such as a trailer hitch on the back of a car or truck. Again, the top of the shaft contains a pivot point that is connected to one end of a bar, with the other end of the bar being connected to a golf club.

Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is a golf swing trainer comprising a telescoping shaft or post that is configured to be placed on a single point on the ground and then stabilized with an extension of the post placed into a receptacle, such as a trailer hitch on the back of a car or truck. The top of the shaft contains a pivot point that is connected to one end of a bar, with the other end of the bar being connected to a golf club.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the post is configured without the pivoting mechanism and instead accepts and secures other types of swing trainers to allow those trainers to be stabilized and used in a location where there is a receptacle, such as a trailer hitch on the back of a car or truck.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the golf swing training apparatus is a shaft or post that is configured to be used in conjunction with any type of vehicle, such as a car, truck, trailer, golf cart, All-Terrain Vehicle, etc. Further, the golf swing training apparatus can be configured to be attached to any other existing structure, such as a basketball pole or a fence, etc., as long as by attaching the apparatus to the structure stabilizes the apparatus when in use.

In another alternative exemplary embodiment, the golf swing training apparatus is a shaft or post that is configured to be used in conjunction with any type of vehicle, such as a car, truck, trailer, golf cart, All-Terrain Vehicle, etc., and is configured to be attached to a vehicle without a using straps and buckles, similar to a bicycle carrier or the like. Alternatively, the golf swing training apparatus can be configured to be attached to a vehicle (as described above), but instead using straps and buckles, or some other attachment means, similar to a bicycle or canoe carrier, or a similar device, which can be attached to a vehicle that does not have a trailer hitch.

The objective of the present invention is to allow a golfer to practice the correct swing of a golf club with the club remaining in the proper position throughout the swinging motion. Accordingly, the golfer builds up a muscle memory for the correct way to swing a golf club from the beginning of the swing through the end of the swing. Each time the golfer swings the club correctly, the golfer's muscle memory is improved increasing the chance that the golfer will correctly swing the golf club when the club is no longer attached to the golf swing trainer device.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art after reading the specification in light of the drawing figures, however, the spirit and scope of the present invention should not be limited to the description of the exemplary embodiments contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a golf swing trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a golf swing trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a golf swing trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a golf swing trainer in use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a golf swing trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a golf swing trainer base unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a golf swing trainer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As stated above, the objective of the present invention is to allow a golfer to practice correctly swinging a golf club with the club remaining in the proper position throughout the swinging motion, thereby building up the golfer's muscle memory of the correct way to swing a golf club from the beginning of the swing through the end of the swing. Each time the golfer swings the club correctly, the apparatus and method improves the golfer's muscle memory increasing the chance that the golfer will correctly swing the golf club when the club is no longer attached to the golf swing trainer device.

FIGS. 1 through 7 show exemplary embodiments of a golf swing trainer apparatus or device 10 as contemplated by the invention. The trainer 10 comprises a shaft or post 12, having an extension 14 that is configured to be placed or located into a receiver or receptacle 16, such as a trailer hitch on a truck or car. The post 12 and extension 14 can be made of any durable material such as a hard plastic, steel or aluminum, among others.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which one end or bottom 18 of the post 12 is configured to make contact with the ground, although the golf swing trainer 10 can also be configured to be placed directly into the receptacle 16 without any contact with the ground as shown in FIG. 5. Further, the post 12 can be configured to be telescoping to either lengthen or shorten the post 12 depending on the height of the user of the golf swing trainer 10.

The extension 14 is located permanently at one height or location on the post 12 by welding, gluing or any other permanent means, including forming the post 12 and extension 14 as a unitary piece through a manufacturing process known by one having ordinary skill in the art. In this embodiment, the extension 14 may also be configured to fold down or be removed for storage and travel purposes.

In an alternative embodiment, the extension 14 can incorporate a separate mounting bracket 20, which acts to secure the extension 14 to the post 12, but in which the mounting bracket 20 and the extension 14 can be removed from the post 12. The mounting bracket 20 can be a unitary device with the extension 14 as shown in FIG. 5, or the mounting bracket 20 may be a separate piece from the extension 14, which is attached to the extension 14 for use of the device.

In the latter embodiment, the mounting bracket 20 may contain an insert or screw 22 to be used to hold and secure the mounting bracket 20 to the post 12 at the proper height or location. Further, the post 12 may contain indents 24 to assist in locating the mounting bracket 20 at a correct location and to provide further support of the post 12.

Additionally, and as shown in FIG. 5, the golf swing trainer apparatus 10 does not make contact with the ground in use, the extension 14 can be configured to be locked into a 90 degree angle for insertion into the receiver 16, and then unlocked for transport or storage purposes.

FIG. 2 shows the opposite end or top end 26 of the post 12, which is configured to accept and secure a pivoting mechanism 28. The pivoting mechanism 28 can be a unitary device with the post 12 or a separate device from the post 12 that can be removed for transport or travel purposes, or to allow access to the top end 26 of the post 12 for additional purposes as described herein. The pivoting mechanism 28 is permanently attached or can be removed from the top end 26 of the post 12, but is allowed to pivot or rotate about at least one axis. In the exemplary embodiment, the pivoting mechanism 28 can rotate around two axes, from side to side (shown as A) and up and down (shown as Z). In this embodiment, the pivoting mechanism 28 does not move forward and back. As with the other parts of the golf swing trainer 10, the pivoting mechanism 28 can be made of steel or a hard plastic or any other material that will allow the pivoting mechanism 28 to pivot.

The pivoting mechanism 28 is also configured to hold and secure a golf club holding bar 30 at or near the top 32 of the pivoting mechanism 28. The holding bar 30 can be configured with a cavity 32 at one end, and the pivoting mechanism 28 may be configured with a removable pin 34, such that the holding bar 30 can be attached to the pivoting mechanism 28 by inserting the pin 34 through the cavity 32, thereby holding the holding bar 30 in place. Other ways known by those having ordinary skill in the art can be used to connect the holding bar 30 to the pivoting mechanism 28 to provide the same side to side and up and down movement.

The holding bar 30 can be attached to the pivoting mechanism 28 either permanently or it can be configured to be attached and removed from the pivoting mechanism 28. For storage and travel purposes, among others, the holding bar 30 can be removed from the pivoting mechanism 28, or both the holding bar 30 and the pivoting mechanism 28 can be removed from the post 10. Further, to the extent different sized holding bars 30 are to be used for different users of the golf swing trainer 10, the removable configuration allows for the removal of one size holding bar 30 and the attachment of another size holding bar 30. Alternatively, a telescoping holding bar 30 can be used to accommodate golfers of different heights and different swing profiles.

Either way, the holding bar 30 when attached to the pivoting mechanism 28, will be able to move in at least one direction, and in the preferred embodiment, in two directions, side to side and up and down.

FIG. 3 shows the other end 36 of the holding bar 30, which is an attachment device 38 that can be used to attach the holding bar 30 to a golf club 44. This can also be seen in FIG. 7. The attachment device 38 comprises a holder 40 with a screw 42 for tightening the attachment device 38 to the golf club 44. The attachment device 38 is configured to rotate about the holding bar 30 so that the golf club 44 can be swung by the user. As such, when the golf club 44 is attached to the holding bar 30 using the holder 40 and tightening screw 42, the user can swing the golf club 44 in a manner that will allow the attachment device 38 to rotate while the pivoting mechanism 28 moves in two dimensions, side to side and up and down.

FIG. 4 shows the trainer apparatus 10 during a user's swing, in which the movement of the holding bar 30 in conjunction with the rotating attachment device 38 and the pivoting mechanism 28, will force the user to swing the golf club 44 in the same direction and path each time the user swings. In particular, the user will swing the golf club 44 and the golf swing trainer 10 will guide the attachment point of the golf club 44 in the same path and in the same plane throughout the golf swing, which, as described herein, improves the user's golf swing.

In all of the embodiments, where the extension 14 is placed into the receiver 16 and the post 12 makes contact with the ground or does not make contact with the ground, the use of the device is the same. Once the post 12 is set up and the extension 14 is inserted into the receiver 16, the user connects the golf club 44 to the holding bar 30 at the attachment device 38, and swings the golf club 44 in the normal manner. Regardless of which golf club 44 is used, the post 12 will remain firm and secure, and the pivoting mechanism 28 will allow the holding bar 30 to rotate side to side and up and down, which will allow the attachment device 38 to rotate about the holding bar 30, and the user will be able to swing the golf club 44 in the proper planar rotation.

Alternative embodiments as described herein comprise an apparatus in which the post 12 is firmly attached to any other existing structure, such as a basketball pole, fence, etc., as long as the attachment to the structure stabilizes the apparatus 10 when in use. Further, and along those lines, the golf swing training apparatus 10 can be configured to be attached to a type of vehicle, as described above, but utilizing straps, buckles, or some other attachment means, such as those used for a bicycle or canoe carrier, which allows the bicycle or canoe to be firmly held in place on the back or top of a car.

FIG. 6 shows a base unit 50, which has sufficient weight and design to accept and secure the trainer apparatus 10. In doing so, the base unit 50 contains three legs 52 and a base extension 54. The base extension 54 contains a base receptacle 56, which is similar in size and configuration as the receptacle 16 described herein. As such, the extension 14 of the trainer apparatus 10 can be inserted into the base receptacle 56 where it is accepted and secured in place to be firmly held during use of the trainer apparatus 10. Other configurations can be used for the base unit 50 in which the primary objective is to provide a receptacle 56 for the trainer apparatus 10 to accept and firmly secure the apparatus 10 during use. For example, the base unit 50 may comprise four legs 52 instead of three legs 52. Other designs will suffice in supporting the trainer apparatus 10.

FIG. 7 shows the extension 14 of the trainer apparatus 10 inserted into the base receptacle 56 of the base unit 50. A pin 58 can be used to further secure the trainer apparatus 10 into the base unit 50. Once inserted, the trainer apparatus 10 with the golf club 44 inserted into the rotating attachment device 38, can be used in the same way described herein.

In another exemplary embodiment, the pivoting mechanism 28 can be removed from the post 12 and another device, such as the Dream Swing Golf Swing Plane Trainer (not shown), can be inserted into the post and used instead of the holding bar 30. In this manner, the strength of the post can be used to improve other devices, and other devices can be used in conjunction with the golf swing trainer 10.

The golf swing training apparatus can further be configured to contain a video camera or a cell phone that is capable of recording video and audio. In this exemplary embodiment, the user can easily place a cell phone or video camera, such as the GO PRO®, on the training apparatus and record video of the user practicing the golf swing. The apparatus can either rely on the video stabilization of the particular device or be configured to provide video stabilization, as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have herein been described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular exemplary embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for improving a user's golf swing, comprising: a post, said post having a top end and a bottom end; an extension; said extension being attached to the post near or at the bottom of the post, said extension capable of being attached to a receptacle at the other end of the extension; a pivoting mechanism, said pivoting mechanism being located at the top end of the post, said pivoting mechanism capable of rotating in two dimensions; a holding bar, said holding bar capable of being attached to said pivoting mechanism; an attachment device, said attachment device being located at the end of the holding bar opposite the pivoting mechanism, said attachment device configured to rotate around said holding bar; said attachment device further comprising a holder and being capable of being tightened at a particular point on a golf club thereby attaching the golf club to said attachment device, wherein when said golf swing trainer is assembled, and the user swings the golf club, the particular point of said golf club moves in a planar direction.
 2. The apparatus for improving a user's golf swing of claim 1, wherein said extension is attached at the bottom of the post.
 3. The apparatus for improving a user's golf swing of claim 1, wherein said extension is attached near the bottom of the post.
 4. The apparatus for improving a user's golf swing of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is located on a motor vehicle.
 5. The apparatus for improving a user's golf swing of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is located on a base unit separate from a motor vehicle.
 6. The apparatus for improving a user's golf swing of claim 1, wherein said pivoting mechanism is removeably attached to said post.
 7. The apparatus for improving a user's golf swing of claim 1, wherein said pivoting mechanism is permanently attached to said post.
 8. The apparatus for improving a user's golf swing of claim 1, wherein said holding bar comprises a cavity.
 9. The apparatus for improving a user's golf swing of claim 8, wherein said holding bar is attached to said pivoting mechanism using a pin.
 10. The apparatus for improving a user's golf swing of claim 1, wherein said attachment device is tightened at a particular point on a golf club using a screw.
 11. A method for improving a user's golf swing, comprising the steps of: inserting an extension of a post into a receptacle, said post having a top end and a bottom end, said extension being attached to the post near or at the bottom of the post, said extension capable of being attached to a receptacle at the other end of the extension; attaching a holding bar to a pivoting mechanism, said pivoting mechanism being located at the top end of the post, said pivoting mechanism capable of rotating in two dimensions, said holding bar capable of being attached to said pivoting mechanism; gripping a golf club with a holder, said holder being attached to an attachment device, said attachment device being located at the end of the holding bar opposite the pivoting mechanism, said attachment device configured to rotate around said holding bar, said holder being capable of tightened at a particular point on a golf club; Swinging the golf club, such that the particular point of said golf club moves in a planar direction.
 12. The method for improving a user's golf swing of claim 11, wherein said extension is attached at the bottom of the post.
 13. The method for improving a user's golf swing of claim 11, wherein said extension is attached near the bottom of the post.
 14. The method for improving a user's golf swing of claim 11, wherein said receptacle is located on a motor vehicle.
 15. The method for improving a user's golf swing of claim 11, wherein said receptacle is located on a base unit separate from a motor vehicle.
 16. The method for improving a user's golf swing of claim 11, wherein said pivoting mechanism is removeably attached to said post.
 17. The method for improving a user's golf swing of claim 11, wherein said pivoting mechanism is permanently attached to said post.
 18. The method for improving a user's golf swing of claim 11, wherein said holding bar comprises a cavity.
 19. The method for improving a user's golf swing of claim 18, wherein said holding bar is attached to said pivoting mechanism using a pin.
 20. The method for improving a user's golf swing of claim 11, wherein said attachment device is tightened at a particular point on a golf club using a screw. 